Supports with Warmth™ program helps draw attention to the need to support this crucial service
TORONTO, Oct. 27, 2014 /CNW/ - What would you do if you or a loved one couldn't get to a life-saving treatment? Unfortunately, this is a problem that thousands of Canadians face every day. That's why Sunbeam® is proud to launch Supports with Warmth™, an awareness and fundraising campaign in support of the Canadian Cancer Society's patient transportation programs.
At the heart of the Supports with Warmth™ campaign is a heartfelt video highlighting the real-life story of Kelly Tugnett, a single mother whose son, Jaxson, was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer at six months old. Their story is not unlike that of many others living with cancer: getting to and from life-saving treatment is one of the most challenging and difficult tasks they face, especially for those also dealing with physical or emotional challenges, or if treatment is far from home.
The Canadian Cancer Society's patient transportation programs strive to provide access to safe and reliable transportation for people who are receiving active treatment at approved cancer treatment facilities. Wheels of Hope is the Society's volunteer-provided transportation program in Ontario and it, along with other provincial programs across Canada, helps cancer patients focus on getting well and not worrying about how they will get to treatment.
"Each year, Wheels of Hope helps tens of thousands of people who truly have no other way of getting to and from cancer-related care or who can't afford the costs associated with travelling," said Tanya Nixon, Senior Manager of Transportation for the Canadian Cancer Society in Ontario. "It's through the generous support of fundraising initiatives like Supports with Warmth, giving partners like Sunbeam, and the dedicated efforts of our volunteers that the Society is able to offer this service that helps so many people."
"When we learned about Wheels of Hope and the Canadian Cancer Society's other patient transportation programs, we wanted to help draw attention to this important cause and provide a little bit of warmth to those undergoing cancer treatment," said Jamie Libregts, Senior Marketing Manager, Personal Comfort and Wellness, Sunbeam. "We hope Kelly and Jaxson's story highlights the strength and courage of those relying on this service, as well as the dedication of volunteers like Florence, and encourages people to support the Society in whatever way they can."
Through Supports with Warmth, Sunbeam is donating 75,000 kilometres to the Wheels of Hope transportation program. Recognizing that feeling cold or chilled may be a side effect of cancer and its treatment, Sunbeam is also donating warmth with 500 Sunbeam Heated Throws for the Canadian Cancer Society to distribute to cancer patients in Ontario. In addition, the Supports with Warmth video aims to raise awareness of the Society's patient transportation programs and encourage donations across Canada.
Kelly & Jaxson
On Christmas Eve 2012, Kelly's six month old son, Jaxson, was diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma, a type of soft tissue cancer found in children. Jaxson had chemotherapy and then surgery to remove his bladder, prostate and another organ that a tumour had encroached upon. It was while Jaxson was undergoing treatment that Kelly learned about the Canadian Cancer Society's Wheels of Hope transportation service. As a single mother without a driver's license, the service was a godsend.
"I could not fathom having to take my sick little boy on public transit to get him to treatment. Being able to use the Wheels of Hope service took a tremendous weight off my shoulders," said Kelly. "I could not have gotten through this experience without the support from the Canadian Cancer Society and its volunteers. It meant so much to me that people who cared, like Florence, donated their time and vehicles to get us to treatment."
Florence Devitt is one of 2,500 Canadian Cancer Society volunteers in Ontario who volunteer their time with Wheels of Hope. Last year, these volunteers drove approximately 11.8 million kilometres across Ontario alone, helping almost 14,000 patients to more than 224,000 appointments.
"As a volunteer driver, I meet so many people who are vulnerable and in need because they don't have family or friends who can drive them to their appointments. These people tell me, if it were not for Wheels of Hope, they simply would not be able to get to cancer treatment," said Florence. "As a volunteer, I get so much more out of the experience than I give. Driving people to treatment is a small thing for me, but has a huge impact in the lives of the patients."
Canadians are encouraged to learn more and donate to this important service by visiting www.sunbeam.ca/supportswithwarmth and clicking the "Donate" button. As a thank you, Canadians will also receive a $20 online coupon code towards the purchase of any Sunbeam Heated Bedding product on www.sunbeam.ca.
We encourage you to be one of the first to watch and share this heartwarming story at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G48JesSfvSU.
The Canadian Cancer Society is always in need of more volunteers and donations. For more information on how you can help, please call 1-888-939-3333 or visit www.cancer.ca.
About Sunbeam Products, Inc.
Since the introduction of its first electric appliance in 1910, the Sunbeam® brand has grown to a position of leadership in the consumer goods industry, and offers families practical, affordable solutions for everyday living. For over 50 years, Sunbeam has been the industry leader in warming products, blending technology, comfort, performance and style. The company's ultimate vision is to offer a wide range of choices that truly redefine how the world sleeps. Sunbeam Corporation (Canada) Limited, the Canadian sales, marketing and distribution office, is located in Brampton, Ontario. For more information on Sunbeam products, please visit www.sunbeam.ca.
About Jarden Consumer Solutions
Jarden Consumer Solutions (JCS), a subsidiary of Jarden Corporation (NYSE:JAH), is a leading consumer products company that designs, manufactures and markets, nationally and internationally, a diverse portfolio of consumer products under such world-class brands as Bionaire®, Crock-Pot®, FoodSaver®, Health o meter®, Holmes®, Mr. Coffee®, Oster®, Patton®, Rival®, Seal-a-Meal®, Sunbeam® and VillaWare®. JCS is headquartered in Boca Raton, Florida, and employs more than 13,000 people worldwide. JCS can be found on the Web at www.jardencs.com.
About the Canadian Cancer Society, Ontario Division
The Canadian Cancer Society is a national community-based organization of volunteers whose mission is the eradication of cancer and the enhancement of the quality of life of people living with cancer. When you want to know more about cancer, visit our website cancer.ca or call our toll-free, bilingual Cancer Information Service at 1 888 939-3333.
Video with caption: "Video: Sunbeam is proud to launch Supports with Warmth, an awareness and fundraising campaign in support of the Canadian Cancer Society's patient transportation programs, including Wheels of Hope in Ontario. These programs strive to provide access to safe and reliable transportation for people who are in active treatment at approved cancer facilities. To learn more, watch this heartwarming story of Florence, Kelly and Jaxson at Sunbeam.ca/supportswithwarmth and donate to this important service.". Video available at: http://stream1.newswire.ca/cgi-bin/playback.cgi?file=20141027_C3467_VIDEO_EN_7109.mp4&posterurl=http%3A%2F%2Fphotos.newswire.ca%2Fimages%2F20141027_C3467_VIDEO_EN_7109.jpg&order=1&jdd=20141027&cnum=C3467
SOURCE: Sunbeam Canada
Jennifer Dolan, Cohn & Wolfe, 647-259-3292, [email protected]; Camille Beaubien, Canadian Cancer Society, Ontario Division, 416-323-7181, [email protected]
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